Nowadays, all the happenings within Plateau state and the country as a whole have a direct correlation with the politics of 2019. Nigerians are beginning to prepare on a massive scale so their voice, role and influence can be heard and felt across the political firmament. In Plateau state, many youth groups are springing up for and against the aspirations of those vying for political positions. Subtle and nocturnal moves are taken to clear the way for politicians so they can have an easy ride. Propaganda is also used as a weapon to silence emerging voices by some desperate politicians. The youths of Plateau state are recollecting their strength, mobilising their capacities and raising their voices to be heard, known and given participatory roles in the leadership formation of 2019. This they are doing by putting the Plateau Youth Council in order and preparing for elections. Also, political parties are oiling their machineries to engage in the struggle of taking over power or maintaining a firm grip on power. The newly formed Action Democratic Party (ADP) through its state chairman Amb. Nanyah Daman appears to be serious in spreading its tentacles and getting set to win future elections. The rising profile of the party is suggestive of its readiness to be counted as a frontline party to beat. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) though, enmeshed in crisis at the state and national level appears set to resolve pending issues troubling the party in order to revamp its glory. It was formally the ruling party before it lost its rule in 2015. The constitution of different reconciliatory committee to resolve the crisis rocking the party indicates that all will soon be well and politicking would commence preparatory for 2019. On the other hand, key youth figures within the PDP family like Hon. Jiritmwa Morgak, Mangna Yusuf Wamyil, Friday Bako and others are not resting on their oars in engaging the elders and complimenting efforts to rebuild the party so it can stand strong and face future challenges. PDP can come back to full life but it depends on the strategies and efforts made to win the support of the masses once again. Currently, the All Progressives Congress APC prides itself as the ruling party. Its dream is to be in power as long as it can. Sure! Nothing is impossible but unless our confidence in the government is justified through any means possible, sooner or later, it will fizzle out like a vapour. The politics of defection by top Plateau politicians (Dariye, Longjan, Vwarji, Diket Plang, Yusuf Gagdi etc) is best known to them. Does it have anything to do with hunger and quest to remain relevant in politics? Well! Let the masses judge. Politics is a game of numbers obviously. It becomes easy when one has the resources, ideas, strategies, influence and drive. One of the key positions many are eyeing is the governorship seat. In APC, two main figures Lalong and Dalung are alleged at some quarters to be having cold war in the light of 2019 politics. Although both leaders have repeatedly denied the report but I do know that 2019 would make its revelations. In PDP, Sen. Victor Lar and Hon. George Daika are so far the leading future aspirants. They are both working hard to renew their structures and win the hearts of Plateau people. ADP hasn’t clearly defined its agenda and the possible aspirants who will fly the party’s flag when the time comes. We are ready and watching. Personally, I think the politics of god-fatherism may not have a place but the collective will and influence of the masses. Everybody wants to remain relevant in the corridors of power by all cost. This is because the paraphernalia of office maybe the reason behind such desperate hold to power not the interest to build hope out of despair. In 2019, the who is who will emerge and begin to influence a lot of decisions, processes, systems and structures. They may impose their will and challenge the status quo. Well! If that would be done for the right reasons, then it’s fine. But any move anchored on greed, desperation and evil thought will scatter like pack of cards. The citizens are increasingly wise and sophisticated to be taken for granted. Dariye did his best, Jang performed well too. The ball is in the court of the incumbent (Rt. Hon. Lalong) to ensure his achievements far outweigh the ones his predecessors made in office. Finally, permit me to make a clarion call to the youths. 2019 is our year of restoration and full participation in leadership. Let us come out to contest for positions and play positive roles in making our state and country better. I support the aspirations of young Plateau and Nigerian citizens. The youths are truly the ‘Creme de la Creme of Plateau state politics. My support is with them every step of the way.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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2019 and the influence of the ‘Creme de la Creme’ on the Plateau – Satmak Dapar